But there are metrics that go beyond your personal feelings. Like crime.

The city of Glendale this week proclaimed that it's the "safest city to live in." And local officials might have a point:

They boasted last night that not only has Glendale been ranked by the FBI as one of the ten safest midsize cities in America, but it took the latest Curbed LA "Neighborhood of the Year" and got glowing reviews in a residential survey released last month.

Ninety-six percent of Glendale locals say they "feel safe." And nearly three-fourths give Glendale an overall rating of 8 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10.

Glendale might not be as hip as as Highland Park, but city officials say it's coming up:

... Downtown is booming with the growth of thousands of residential units and new shopping and dining options such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Din Tai Fung. All of this growth is nestled in the Arts & Culture District of Glendale which is home to the historic Alex Theatre, Museum of Neon Art (in construction), and Central Library. The arts are further enriched by the Brand Library & Art Center's recent renovations, returning the mansion to its original grandeur.